dance, not a funeral," my mom teased. "How about pink?" Billy shook his head. "I'm not sure she'd like that." Billy looked to me for help.
"I know she likes purple," I told him.
"Yes, that's what I want," he said emphatically. "Purple."
The florist showed us several purple flowers. Billy was overwhelmed with which one to pick and turned to my mom and me for guidance. We narrowed them down, and Billy was still uncertain which one to choose. Floral arranging was out of my twelve-year-old brother's skill set.
"It's okay," I said. "They are all beautiful."
That gave Billy the confidence he needed, and he pointed to one to make the final decision.
The florist placed some baby's breath around it and began to prepare it for a corsage.
"How much longer?" Billy asked. I could tell he'd rather have been home playing Warcraft.
"This will all be worth it," I said, "when you see the look on her face."
That night Billy descended the staircase in his suit. I was already waiting in my new corset dress, so excited to have something new to wear in front of Alexander.
I hated to admit that my pesky brother did look handsome when he came down the stairs in his navy suit.
"Whose brother are you?" I teased.
"Not yours," he quipped.
"You look terrific," my dad said proudly.
"You look gorgeous," my mom gushed. Billy tensed up as my mom straightened his collar.
"Get off," he snarled.
"I just need to adjust this," she said. Then she took his chin and squeezed it. "You look so grown up."
"Mom - " he said.
"We have to go," I said, helping him out of the parental trap.
"Wait - let me get a picture of you both," she said.
"No, Mom," he whined. "We have to go."
"I need memories!" she exclaimed. "For my scrapbook."
My mom grabbed her camera. "Get together," she said, gesturing for us to stand next to each other. We both moved like slugs.
"C'mon. It won't kill you to take one picture," my dad commanded.
Reluctantly, we stood side by side. I hadn't noticed that Billy was nearly as tall as I was. In no time he'd be towering over me.
"Smile," she said.
Billy and I grimaced.
"Smile, already!" she repeated.
"Okay," we both said through grinning, gritted teeth.
"Okay," we both said through grinning, gritted teeth.
The flash burst, and we were both momentarily blinded.
"One more," she directed.
"You said only one." Billy was itching to go.
"But what if that doesn't turn out?" she asked.
"Then you'll know that one of us is a vampire," I said.
Billy headed for the door while I grabbed my sweater.
"Knock 'em dead tonight," my dad said.
I couldn't tell him that our dates were, in fact, undead.
"I was hoping I'd get to meet Stormy, too," my dad added.
"That's what happens when you have a son," I said, opening the front door.
My dad let me borrow the car, and we headed over to the Mansion. I was hoping that Billy would chicken out upon arriving at the haunted-looking house, but he didn't. I think since he was with me he felt more at ease, or maybe he felt like he was becoming a man or something.
I made him knock on the door.
Jameson opened it slowly, like in a creepy silent movie. Billy was as nervous seeing Jameson as he was for his date. I couldn't help but feel anxious for him.
I put my hand on Billy's shoulder. "I know she'll be happy to see you," I said.
He turned back to me like I'd said the kindest words anyon ct wheie had ever said to him. At once, he stood up a little straighter and appeared at ease.
"Good evening, Mr. Billy," Jameson said.
"Good evening, Jameson," Billy said proudly.
"Please come in. I know Miss Athena is almost ready."
"Who is Athena?" Billy whispered to me.
"That's Stormy's real name," I replied.
"Oh. That's really pretty."
Just then Alexander came down the stairs. He was so hot in his dark jacket and silken dress pants, I could feel my knees quiver just catching sight of him. I couldn't believe that someone so handsome was indeed my boyfriend. His face brightened when he saw me.
"You look beautiful," he said.
He came over and gave me a tender kiss on the cheek. I wanted to swoon into his arms and have him carry me away. I had to remind myself that this was Billy and Stormy's dance and not mine.
Stormy descended the creaky old staircase in the dress I'd given her. The black corset minidress had sheer lace sleeves that just covered her pale shoulders and ruffled black and purple